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Happy Friday, Kent!



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Mayor's Update



March 15, 2024



Kent Sunrise

Happy Friday, Kent!

It's been another productive week with lots going on around the city. I hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather as we head into the weekend.

We have so many great parks, playfields and city facilities to enjoy—check them out on our website and make plans with friends or family to go outside and get some sun!

As always, this week's update is packed full of information about some great work, programs and events happening in Kent. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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State of the City 

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2024 State of the City

Happy Friday, Kent! 

The sunshine has been quite nice the past few days! I hope you took a moment to get out and enjoy it! 

I wanted to invite you to join us at the Kent Senior Center for another Coffee and Conversations. Bring your questions, concerns, or compliments!

 

The 2024 State of the City Address is coming up next week! Come on out to hear about what your city government is working on, our accomplishments, and how we're meeting the challenges our community faces.

There will be snacks and refreshments, some swag and goodies, as well as sign language live interpretation. Hope to see you there!

?? Thursday, March 21
?? Kent-Meridian High School
?? Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m.

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coffee and conversation

Coffee and Conversation is one of my favorite ways to connect. Thank you to all who joined me earlier this week.

We talked about a variety of things including public safety and police staffing, investments in infrastructure like crosswalks and outcomes of the recent legislative session.

If you were unable to attend, keep an eye on our social media for upcoming dates and locations.



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On Wednesday I attended the 35th annual King County Sexual Assault Resource Center Breakfast.

Many years ago, I was introduced to this amazing organization by Marvin Eckfeldt and Dennis Higgins. Their passion and support for the work KCSARC does got me in the door. The outcomes and stories of healing and support have made me a supporter.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, please reach out. KCSARC is an incredible resource to survivors and their families.

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center

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earthworks

Our Parks team has developed a Draft Framework Plan that will help guide the future of Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park!

The draft plan, and *an incredible graphic novel* that was developed to help visualize the future of the park and natural area, is available online to view now.

*Leave your feedback* [ https://www.engagekentparks.com/millcreek-and-earthworks-framework-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] by Tuesday, March 19, 2024, and make your voice heard! 



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We had another great class of Kent 101 earlier this week! Public Works staff talked about the differenced between divisions, and the important work they do to keep the city running: from everyday maintenance to some of the larger improvements and infrastructure projects.

Kent101

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wastemobile

The King County Wastemobile has released its 2024 schedule! This mobile hazardous waste collection service will be cruising throughout King County most weekends until October, making it easy and safe for you to drop off household hazardous waste for free.

*You can see the full schedule on their website. [ https://kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/en/news-articles/2024-wastemobile-schedule-and-announcement?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Light Rail Progress

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KDM [ https://www.kentreporter.com/news/kent-des-moines-station-for-light-rail-nearing-completion-photos/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*We're seeing some great progress at the two future light rail stations and parking garages in Kent. [ https://www.kentreporter.com/news/kent-des-moines-station-for-light-rail-nearing-completion-photos/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] *Sound Transit is planning to open light rail between SeaTac and Federal Way in 2026.

The 7.8-mile extension includes stations at Kent/Des Moines (pictured) along Pacific Highway South near Highline College; Star Lake at South 272nd Street in Kent near Interstate 5; and at the Federal Way Transit Center. All three stations add parking.

Work on the Kent Des Moines Station is 82% complete, Star Lake Station is 66% complete, and the Federal Way Downtown Station at South 320th Street is 75% complete.

Soil conditions along a section of the light rail extension next to Interstate 5 in Kent is one reason Sound Transit delayed the opening to 2026 from 2024.

The soil conditions were unstable near a wetlands area and forced a redesign for a bridge through the area.

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The 35th annual Greater Seattle Toy Show is tomorrow at the Kent Commons! The Northwest's finest toy dealers will be selling collectible and antique toys.

The show will start at 8 a.m. for $15 Early Bird admission. General admission starts at 10 a.m., $7 for adults, Children 12 and under are free with adult supervision.

toy show

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tbirds

Catch the next Thunderbirds game on Tuesday night against the Kamloops Blazers! The game begins at 7:05 p.m. at the accesso ShoWare Center. Go Birds!





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We've got a weekend of sun in the forecast! Come on out with friends or family and play a round at Riverbend Golf Complex, or practice your swing at the driving range.

Be sure to book your tee time ahead of time online at  *RiverbendGolfComplex.com*. [ https://l.facebook.com/l.php?__tn__=-UK%2AF&c%5B0%5D=AT2TP86D51NislveKvyuV7ZXBlJU7LKeWkF1jQ8GtEURcqA5cyMHcC7ug6AOTDR9cR9ZejNqQmic6JVqFYDDDkW-XegJZOtiz8iXM783VrvljFv8XdLtyNtV6daRFSIH1vIe1epy7fZOxcRx_RIwyg8lBglE8T4-gIXcZZtT-plHYgcMX8_Wzarqq8WQRoBejZjvi-vm5WfFvJLx1TS-t-nw8fqhwXmMHNa_&h=AT18TJJPZt98VarwUwyIfBPEFSGWUGtgB5hLJd4JqgvC1KFoqZoLnd6eQVhqjaWP-px25BKnn3Wkfc27GBioCXDGw04WcOPSdQk-7D3lFvxjRRaES57EgmSehwPPg-faOVmP&u=http%3A%2F%2FRiverbendGolfComplex.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2AvrK03rUvxUtXeLFKh3MsYL7Bx-THcqDe_hovqbC5io6z6CCYjh55dQw%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

riverbend

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SE 240th

New pedestrian safety improvements have been installed on SE 240th St! Four crossings with rectangular rapid flashing beacons are now operational.



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Kent Commons Remodel

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Commons

I'm excited to announce the Kent Commons Community Center is getting a refresh!

The Kent Commons building was originally constructed in 1979 and is due for upgrades and improvements to allow us to continue providing the quality programs and experiences you know and love, while still preserving this City facility.

The project is scheduled to kick off next week and will be wrapped later this year. Throughout the duration of the project, the building will be open and operating normal hours, but several amenities will be closed during the entirety of construction.

These amenities include the following: racquetball courts, weight room, locker room, main restrooms, and the main entrance/front counter. All building visitors will be asked to enter through the temporary entrance and check in at the temporarily relocated front counter.

Signage and building detours will be in place for all program participants, rental groups, and visitors. Stay tuned for updates throughout the project!

Questions? Please call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100.  

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Business Crime Prevention Summit

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business summit

The Kent Police Neighborhood Response Team will be holding another Business Crime Prevention Summit at the Accesso ShoWare Center.

It's your chance to hear from Kent officers and the Community Education Unit on general safety and crime prevention tips impacting Kent businesses.

There will be a question-and-answer session so you leave with all of the safety and prevention information you can use to prevent crime.

Must be a Kent business owner, manager, or employee.

?? Thursday, April 25
⌚ 9 a.m. - Noon
?? Accesso ShoWare Center

*RSVP required to swood@kentwa.gov*

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Target Zero 

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target zero [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/kent-target-zero-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We are developing an action plan to improve transportation safety in Kent, working toward eliminating fatalities and serious injuries due to crashes.

*Please take this brief survey to share your experience on city streets and areas you feel may be unsafe.* [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/kent-target-zero-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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Kent Green

Green Kent, our hands-on environmental conservation program, is back! Events will be held from April to November at a variety of locations across our Parks system. *Registration is open for all 2024 events. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

Volunteers work to help us keep our parks healthy and thriving, as well as learn valuable information about our natural areas and local environmental conservation efforts. These events provide a great opportunity for them to complete required community service hours!



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Annual Diaper Drive

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diaper drive

Help us collect diapers and wipes for the 10th Annual March for Diapers Drive. During March, donate diapers and wipes at Kent City Hall during business hours.

Every year, the City of Kent joins other South King County cities in collecting diapers and wipes for babies in need.

We have set up a Diaper Corral in City Hall Lobby to collect donations until March 29. We are asking for any child diapers preemie to size 6, as well as pullups and baby wipes. We will take half used packages too!

Two outstanding organizations that serve Kent that will receive donations from this drive are: Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) & Kent's Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC).

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Drinks in the Driveway 

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Drinks in the Driveway

Drinks in the Driveway was such a huge success, that we have opened up dates for Spring and Summer. 

Chief Padilla, Public Works Director Chad Bieren and I visit local neighborhoods and councils to discuss issues they are facing and keeping our community safe. We bring the soft drinks; you bring the conversation. 

*If you would like to reserve one of the spots, sign up here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/drinks-in-the-driveway?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/ ]*

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*The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program application deadline is coming soon! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/neighborhood-grant-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] *

We are nearing the deadline to submit your application for our matching grant program. This program offers matching funds on a competitive basis to recognized neighborhood councils to develop and implement projects which will enhance the livability of their communities.

neighborhood

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kent works app

The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting *non-emergency issues* to the city.

 You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps!



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We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at *jobs.kentwa.gov [ https://jobs.kentwa.gov/jobs?page_number=2&page_size=10&sort_by=headline&sort_order=ASC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*


jobs of the month

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Bike Ride of the Month

Check out the Eagle Loop! It's one of the Kent Valley Loop Trails, and is a mostly flat 13-mile route on multiuse trails. *Check out the whole route map! [ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RkYLnrPm6oZeuXUjBVKGsy9d2j64fKKToodsQ6Ru1cE/edit?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#gid=0 ]*



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Have you seen what’s new at 4th & Willis?

The City’s Willis Street Greenway Sculpture Exhibition is a juried, two year-long exhibition located in the newly renovated greenways along the north and south sides of Willis Street near the 4th Ave roundabout.

Twelve applications were received for the inaugural exhibition and a jury selected sculptures from artists Sophia A. Hatzikos and Matt Babcock. 

art 1

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art 2

We are super excited to announce there will be a “People’s Choice” vote held online throughout the duration of this exhibition. The winning sculptor will receive a “$1,000 People’s Choice Prize.”

*I encourage you to take a look at them and vote! [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/kent-arts-commission?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Just a friendly reminder to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pets! 

Pet waste can pollute our water: rain can wash bacteria from pet waste into storm drains, streams and the Puget Sound.

Use a big to pick up pet paste and make sure it goes into the garbage.

KICK

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Parks Spring/Summer Guide 

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Registration Open

Registration for Spring/Summer programming through Kent Parks is now open!

From preschool classes and free summer concerts to youth sports and programs for adults aged 50 and older, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

*If you haven’t received a guide, browse a digital copy to check out upcoming events and all available programs. [ https://online.flipbuilder.com/ixcy/mstl/mobile/index.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.


RASKC

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preparedness

The Kent Community Foundation has shared information on social media about an upcoming Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kent Stake Center. 

Ensuring that you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies is crucial. You can learn more about preparedness at *KentWA.gov/Prepared [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/emergency-preparedness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and *Ready.gov [ https://www.ready.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.



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Translations A/文

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translations

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City of Kent, Washington

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